Are you going to make a voyage between the Andes and Mekong? Now, the process of people of Chile visiting the green jungles, old temples, and rich culture of Laos has been much easier. With the introduction of the electronic visa (eVisa), any Chilean traveler can avoid the visits to the embassy and completely obtain the entry permit online.
In this guide, we answer the most searched questions related to Laos eVisa Chile Citizens.
Do Chilean citizens need a visa for Laos?
Yes. To enter the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Chileans are expected to take a visa. Although there are conventional paper visas, Laos eVisa is the one to utilize in 2026 because it is more convenient. It enables you to do the application in the comfort of your home, and you get your approval through email, which you only have to print out and present it at the border.
Can I submit a Group Application for the Laos eVisa?
Yes, if you are traveling with family or a group of friends from Chile, you can submit a Group Application. While each traveler must provide their own passport details and photograph, many agents allow you to process multiple applicants under a single order. This ensures that the entire group’s documentation is synchronized and reviewed together for a smoother entry experience.
What are the available Laos eVisa types for Chileans?
When applying online, Chilean travelers can select from two primary categories depending on their intent:
Travel Visa: The travel visa is aimed at sightseeing, trekking and visiting tourist landmarks.
Visit Visa: This is a visa that is intended to be used by individuals who visit friends, relatives or visit short term non paid events.
Both include one entry with a maximum basis of 30 days. The approval letter has a lifespan of 60days after the date of issuance.
What activities are permitted on a Tourist/Visit eVisa?
Laos eVisa is flexible and limited to particular non-business operations:
Allowed: Sightseeing, trekking, leisure holidays, visiting friends or family and attending free cultural events and conferences.
Banned: You are not allowed to work on paid jobs, study on a long term basis, political activism or do religious mission work. It is typical that the other type of visa is needed when conducting business management or signing official contracts of labor.
How long does the Laos eVisa processing take?
Timing is crucial for a stress-free trip. Depending on your schedule, you can choose from three processing speeds:
Normal Processing: 5 - 7 Working Days.
Rush Processing: 3 - 5 Working Days.
Super Rush Processing: 1 - 3 Hours (The fastest option for immediate travel).
Should I choose the eVisa or the Visa on Arrival?
Although both are open to the Chilean citizens, the eVisa is strongly suggested because of a number of reasons:
Special Lanes: holders of eVisa usually have faster lanes known as Fast Track, especially at the major airports.
No Hidden Costs: Visa on Arrival most of the time will demand USD cold cash and may also insist on impromptu stamp duty fees or weekends fees at the border.
Peace of Mind: When you have an eVisa, your acceptance is guaranteed before you pack your bags out of Santiago so you do not get the feeling of being denied entry at the port.
What documents are required for the Laos eVisa application?
The digital Lao eVisa application is straightforward. Chilean applicants must provide:
Passport Bio Page: A high-quality, color scan of the page containing your personal information. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Applicant Photograph: A recent, passport-style digital photo taken against a plain white background.
How much does the Laos eVisa cost for Chile citizens?
The cost of your visa is transparently calculated using a three-tier structure: Total Payable = Government Fee + Service Fee + Rush Processing Fee (if applicable). The Government Fee is paid to the authorities for the review, while the Service Fee covers the professional handling and document verification by our experts.
Is it mandatory to print the eVisa approval letter?
Yes. While you receive a digital copy, the immigration officers at the Lao border require a physical printout of the eVisa Approval Letter. We recommend printing two copies—one for your carry-on and one to keep in your luggage as a backup.
What are the refund conditions for the Laos eVisa?
It is important to understand the refund policy before submitting your application. Lao eVisa Fees are generally non-refundable because processing begins immediately:
Government Fee: Non-refundable once remitted to the state visa authority.
Service Fee: Non-refundable once document examination and handling commence.
Priority Fees: Rush and Super Rush fees are non-refundable once the prioritized processing is activated. These conditions apply in all circumstances, including application withdrawal or rejection.
Which entry points in Laos accept the eVisa?
Chilean citizens traveling with an eVisa must enter through designated ports:
Airports: Vientiane (Wattay), Luang Prabang, and Pakse International Airports.
Land Borders: First Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge (Vientiane) and Second Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge (Savannakhet).
Can the Laos eVisa be extended for Chilean travelers?
Yes. Should 30 days not be sufficient, then you can apply to the Department of Immigration in Vientiane to extend your visa. Do not ignore this before the expiry of your initial 30 days stay to evade fines of overstays.
Can I work in Laos with a Travel or Visit eVisa?
No. Both the Travel and Visit eVisas are strictly for tourism and social visits. Engaging in paid work or employment is prohibited and requires a specific business or labor visa obtained through a different channel.
What should I do if my passport expires in less than 6 months?
If your Chilean passport has less than 6 months of validity remaining, you must renew it before applying for the eVisa. The Lao government will not approve applications for passports nearing their expiry date.
Conclusion
With the help of a special agency, such as lao-evisa.com, Chilean citizens need not be afraid of the 2026 entry requirements. You may need your visa within a week and you may need your visa within an hour but the computerized system makes sure that your Laos trip starts as much as possible. Safe travels!
